St. Paul's, Jesuit set to clash in Division I state championship for third consecutive year

Both teams expect a lot of intensity for the Division I state title. (Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)

Perhaps the Jesuit and St. Paul’s soccer teams were destined to clash for Division I state championship Saturday night at Tad Gormley Stadium a 7:30.

The storylines each followed en route to the championship, sure makes it seem like that.

Both teams were supposed to be rebuilding this season, each having graduated numerous starters from last year’s teams.

Both teams had a turning point in the season when they learned from a loss.

Finally, the No. 2-seed Blue Jays and No. 5 Wolves are a testament to cliche "defense wins championships," as neither has not given up a goal in the playoffs.

And it’s hard to escape the rematch theme.

St. Paul’s defeated the Blue Jays 2-1 in the 2011 title match. Jesuit rallied to score two late goals and defeat the Wolves 3-2 last year.

“They are a good opponent and play hard,” Jesuit center-midfielder Corey James said. “We expect a good game. They will come out strong, like the past two years. It will be a good, hard-fought game.”

“Anyone there should expect a good soccer match, probably a close game, a one-goal game,” St. Paul’s senior center-midfielder and captain Dan Garraway said. “Jesuit and St. Paul’s have a good rivalry going in the finals.”

The Blue Jays (19-4-2) and Wolves (22-2-1) have put in the work in getting back to the finals.

Jesuit Coach Hubie Collins and James said there’s always the task of blending a new roster year to year. James likened it to finding the right combination for a lock. The catalyst for this year’s team was a midseason 3-1 loss to District 9-I rival Brother Martin.

“We learned from losing; we learned we play how we practice,” James said. “So, we picked up the intensity. There was a whole different aura around the team after that loss. It was a humbling experience.”

“While we were together as a group, we hadn’t found team character and team spirit yet,” Collins added. “It (loss) allowed the players to do some team evaluation. We realized maybe we were in a place where mentally we needed to be stronger and tougher and bring that to games. It has prepared us for every game since then.”

Garraway said St. Paul’s had a similar experience following a loss in late December in a tournament. It helped galvanize the Wolves and he started to see it as the second round of District 6-I play began.

“We started playing better as a team,” he said. “The players finally got to know each other. It took a while for it all to come together.”

Once both teams found the right chemistry, they began to roll. Jesuit entered the postseason as the No. 2 seed and defeated Brother Martin 1-0 in the semifinals. St. Paul’s finished its district season undefeated and with its defense and keeper Colin Hanley playing strong the Wolves took down No. 1 seed Lafayette 1-0 in the semifinals.

“I think we came in underestimated by most people,” Garraway said. “They thought we wouldn’t get past the quarterfinals. We used that.”

According to St. Paul’s Coach Sean Moser, the Wolves and Blue Jays also used deep, talented rosters smartly.

“You have two talented teams, top to bottom,” Moser said. Anyone of our top 15-16 players can step up. We both have deep benches, with quality, skilled players. In our previous two games we were able to wear teams down. We kept rotating players in and out. I saw Jesuit do the same thing to Brother Martin. Our match will come down to who makes the fewest mistakes wins.”

One thing all agreed on is the match will not be lacking for atmosphere and intensity.

Garraway said since he is one the few starters left over from last year’s final he’ll have no problem staying focused, especially since he’s had a year to stew on the fact the Wolves gave up the lead so late.

Said Collins: “You have two teams that will play hard, but the game will be clean and hard-fought. It’s always intense (a Jesuit-St. Paul’s final), always has an air to it, and the fans in the stands are loud. The whole thing is like opening a bottle of fizzy soda.”